Mayo Clinic Heart Book, Revised Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Heart Health

Heart ailments kill more men and women in our country than any other disease--and every tissue in our body depends on the heart for survival. That makes this updated classic from one of the world's foremost medical centers a must-have reference guide for those who've already been diagnosed with heart disease, and for those at risk for developing it (which, given our dietary habits and the prevalence of obesity, is basically the majority of Americans--studies show the arteries of most teens are already partially clogged).

More than 125 Mayo Clinic specialists were called upon to contribute to this comprehensive book, which is divided into five sections: part 1 describes how your heart and circulatory system work; part 2 educates you about the various types of heart disease you can develop; part 3 reviews risk factors; part 4 covers diagnosis--from blood tests to electrocardiograms and cardiac catheterizations; and part 5 looks at the latest and most effective drug, device, and surgical treatments. All of the sections are complemented by detailed, color and black-and-white illustrations and photographs. There's even a fabulous 16-page color atlas of the heart and circulatory system.

The Mayo Clinic Heart Book will also help you to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease (most heart attack patients have more indigestion and arm pain than chest pain), as well as when a trip to the emergency room is warranted or critical. It prepares you for a variety of potential treatment scenarios, and offers a glimpse of a typical rehabilitation and recovery schedule after a heart attack or operation. And it offers up more than 80 tips for preventing heart disease in the first place. All in all, this is information that just may save your life. --Nancy Monson